What is medetomidine and why is it in Toronto's drug supply?

Medetomidine is a powerful tranquilizer intended for veterinary use that is increasingly being mixed with fentanyl in Toronto's unregulated drug supply, potentially to enhance sedative effects.

How does medetomidine affect overdose reversals with naloxone?

Medetomidine, unlike fentanyl, cannot be reversed by naloxone, making overdoses from the combined substances difficult to treat and potentially leading to prolonged unconsciousness and health complications.

What are the health risks associated with medetomidine and fentanyl?

The combination can cause deep unconsciousness, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, slowed breathing, and severe withdrawal syndromes, leading to increased hospitalizations and ICU stays.

Home / Health / Vet Drug Floods Toronto Fentanyl Supply

Vet Drug Floods Toronto Fentanyl Supply

11 Feb

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Summary

Animal tranquilizer medetomidine found in 80% of fentanyl samples.
Combination makes overdoses difficult to reverse with naloxone.
Concerns rise over increased hospitalizations and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Veterinarians' tranquilizer medetomidine is increasingly appearing in Toronto's unregulated drug supply. Health workers report that medetomidine, a sedative intended for animals, has been detected in 80% of fentanyl samples analyzed by the Toronto Drug Checking Service. This veterinary drug, also referred to as rhino tranq, was first identified in the city's drug supply in December 2023.

This potent combination of medetomidine and fentanyl, both sedatives, significantly complicates overdose reversals. While naloxone can counteract fentanyl, it is ineffective against medetomidine's effects. This poses a growing concern for community health workers and emergency physicians, who note that it can lead to deeper unconsciousness, reduced blood pressure, and slowed breathing.

Reports from Philadelphia indicate that similar drug combinations have led to increased hospitalizations, including stays in intensive care units, and severe withdrawal syndromes. The potential for prolonged unconsciousness and reduced heart rate is high. This situation underscores the need for a coordinated provincial approach to address the toxic opioid supply crisis, with a focus on safer supply options.